FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Laura Maravilla, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT:
title
PUBLIC MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Orange for the use of the countywide public mass notification system.
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BACKGROUND
The County of Orange (County) utilizes AlertOC, a public mass notification system, to provide critical information to residents and stakeholders regarding emergencies or disasters. Managed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the system enables agency officials to disseminate time-sensitive alerts via email, voice, and text messages.
The County has established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with various participating public agencies to facilitate the use of AlertOC for emergency communications. The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has been a participating agency since 2013, when the MOU was first approved by the Board of Directors. The County has requested that all participating agencies sign an updated MOU for continued access to AlertOC. Updates to the MOU are based on recent contract changes, which include a 90-day password reset for individual users and changes to contract numbers, dates, and terminology.
System fees and contract management are handled by the County, and either the County or OC San may end the agreement and stop utilizing AlertOC at any time, for any reason. If the County was to end their contract with the vendor, OC San has the ability to contract directly with the vendor for emergency communications.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Provide a safe and collegial workplace
• Commitment to safety & reducing risk in all operations
PROBLEM
OC San partners with the County of Orange for access to AlertOC, a mass notification system that facilitates real-time dissemination of information. The MOU memorializing the partnership has been updated and needs to be signed by OC San’s governing body for continued access to the communication tool. Without this tool, OC San would be unable to promptly notify residents and stakeholders during emergencies, leading to delayed responses and increased risks.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Staff recommends approving the MOU with the County of Orange for continued access to its mass notification system.
TIMING CONCERNS
OC San needs to sign the MOU as soon as possible, as required of all participating public agencies to ensure continued access to AlertOC.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
Without access to the AlertOC system, OC San would be limited in its ability to provide real-time alerts to residents and stakeholders during emergencies such as public health crises, infrastructure failures or security threats leading to delayed responses and increased risks to public safety.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
July 2013 - The Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Orange regarding the use of ALERT OC, the Countywide Mass Notification System.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
CEQA
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
This is a no-cost service provided by the County of Orange.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Memorandum of Understanding